Thread end grip and release for a winding machine



March 18, 1958 H. H, CADLE 2,327,243

THREAD END GRIP AND RELEASE FDE A wINDING MACHINE Filed Nay 2, 195e //l;)/`/`///(\ \l. 24 [4 sy;

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- Q7 WMM @AEA TTORNEYS United States Patent G THREAD END GRIP AND `RELEASE FOR A WINDING MACHINE Hubert H. Caille, Westfield, Mass., assignor to Foster Machine'Company, Westfield, Mass., a corporation of Massachusetts Application May 2, 1956, Serial No. 582,185

11 Claims. (Cl. 242-18) This invention relates to winding machines for the automatic winding of yarn carriers or bobbins andhasparticular relation to improved mechanism for initiating the winding operation on such machines.

Objects and advantages of the invention wll be `set forth in part hereinafter and inpart willfbe obvious herefrom, or may be learned by practice with `the invention, the same being `realized and attained by `means of the instrumentalities and combinations pointed out in the appended claims.

The invention consists in the novel parts, constructions, arrangements, combinations and improvements herein shown and described,

rPhe accompanying drawings referred'to herein and constituting a parthereof, illustrate one embodiment ofthe invention, and together withthe description, serve to explain theaprinciples ofthe invention.

In the drawings:

`Figure l is an `axial sectional `View of the winding mechanism of the present invention showing-theelements thereof in the respective positions which they occupy prior tothe positioning `o'f the bobbin in driving relation there- `withl for winding.

Figure 2 is a view similar to that of Figure l but showing the elements `ot the winding mechanism in their respective positions immediately a'fter the bobbinhasbeen placed in driving engagement with the mechanism atthe initiation of the windingoperation.

Figure 3 is a view similar to that of Figures l and 2 but showing the elements of the mechanism in the position lthat vthey occupy a short time after initiation of `the winding operation.

In the'operation of winding'machines Vfor windingbohbins it has heretofore been the practice to clamp the beginning of the yarn in a suitable clamp which rotates `with the bobbin asit is driven by the live spindle of the winding machine. This clamping of the beginning of the yarn `prevents the yarn from slipping on the bobbin at the beginning of the winding operation and accordingly assures a satisfactorily wound package. However, at the termination of the winding operation this beginning of the yarn that was positioned in the clamping means -results in a length of yarn projecting from the final package and which must beiremoved in some manner either by suitable mechanism which would be combined with the winding apparatus, suchas automatically operated shears together with exhaust means for removing the severed length of yarn, or 4by some other means or mechanism after the package has been rremovedifrorn `the :winding machine;

The present invention has for its object vanimproved .Winding organization vfor winding bobbins wherein the beginningof the `yarn is clamped in a'rotary` clamp only during initiation of `thewinding operation andisthereafter released so that it'is wound-.into `the package. Another object isfto `provide` such r an improved winding organization wherein the clamping mechanism lis moved `intosits clamping position by .the positioningof the `bobbinirl its kwhile lin their radial outwardposition. `normally in a horizontal position so `that theuppermost Ybeen previously placed between these surfaces.

2,827,243 Patented Man ,18, 1958 ri"ie 2 proper winding position and'is `automatically moved out of its clamping position shortly afterinitiation o'f the winding operation. A further object of the invention is the provision of such awinding machine which although auto- Lwhich is slidably disposed over this 'end `of ithe .spindle and is connectedto the spindle in such a manner that it is movable a limited distance axially'thereof while rotating therewithin. The first sleeveis'provided adjacent its outer end with `a radially extending rearwardly `facing `clamping surface vwhich is complementary with :a similar forwardly facing surface formed onasecond sleeve which Tis telescoped over the iirstsleeve and is axially `movable relativeto lthe first sleeve within 'a limited Vdistance While -rotating `with-thisv first sleeve.

A vspring is interposed between the first and second 'sleeves so` asto urgethem to their extreme lposition where ithe clamping `surfaces are furthest apart and another spring is provided to -urgethe two-'sleeves to a predeteramined position upon the spindle with `this spring urging ``the sleeves toward-the end of `the-spindle which receives :the bobbin. Thus, Awhen there isno bdbbinpostioned on the spindle for-winding thetwo sleeves occupya predetermined relation `with respect `to-each otherand'with `zrespect Vto the spindle. speed responsive or centrifugally actuated mechanism iS When in this `position --suitable effective toprevent lthe second sleeve from moving in a rearward direction axially ofthe spindle, with this mechanism illustratively taking the vform` of `a plurality `of merribers interposed within alignedradial `passages formed `in 4a collarsecured to the spindle and in-the second sleeve with these lmembers preventing relative `movement between the second sleeve and lthe spindle when in their radial `inward position while permitting such movement The spindle is of these members occupy their radial inward position .throughthe influence of 'gravity -but as lthe'rotative speed of the spindle increases during the initiationfof the windtion so that the second sleeve'may move rearwardly-rela- ,tive to the spindle.

The clamping surfaces provide'dfonthe first andsecond sleeves are normally in non-clamping relation through the action of the `spring interposed between these two sleeves. However, when a bobbin is properly positioned on the spindle for winding the butt endof the bobbin contacts the firstsleeve and moves `it rearwardly bringing the clamping surfaces intoLclamping relation` and accordingly clamping the beginning ofthe yarn `which has After the bobbin is in place ,thespindle is then rotated about its ,axis through conventional automatically operative drive mechanism and when its rotative speed `reaches a given value the centrifugally actuated apparatus which pre- Vviously prevented the rearward `movement of the second sleeve then moves to aposition'whichpermits'such movement and accordingly `the spring interposedbetween the two sleeves moves ,the second sleeve so that the clamping surfaces are in non-clamping relation with the vbeginning of the yarn then being released and being wound-in the package. Upon removal of the packageor wound bobbin .the sleeves. are returned to their initialposition for repetition, of 1the, operation.

It will `be understood :that the foregoing general tde- `scription -and the lfollowing detailed vdescription as. well asa/,ate

3 are exemplary and explanatory of the invention but are not restrictive thereof.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used throughout to designate like elements, the illustrative and preferred embodiment of the inven tion shown therein comprises horizontally disposed driving spindle journaled in conventional manner in the frame 12 of the vwinding machine and being automatically driven, i. e., rotated about its axis, through well-known mechanism connected to the rearward end of the spindle with this drive mechanism being conventional and not necessary to an understanding of the present invention so that it is not illustrated in the drawings. The forward end of spindle 10 is provided with an axial bore 14 within which is Slidably received tip member 16 which is connected with the spindle so as to be positively rotated therewith but movable relative thereto in an axial direction with this connection being established through the medium of driving pin 18 which extends through aligned slots 20 provided in spindle 10 and elongated slot 22 provided in the tip member. The tip member 16. which receives and centers the bobbin when it is positioned in place for winding, is urged to its forwardmost position through the action of spring 24 disposed within bore 14 and interposed between the rearward end of the tip member and the root of the bore.

Slidably received on the forward end of spindle 10 is sleeve 28 which is connected to the spindle by means of pin 18 with the ends of this pin being disposed in suitable aligned radial bores provided in this sleeve. Thus through the medium of pin 18 the sleeve l0, tip member 16, and sleeve 28,rotate together while being movable relative to each other in an axial direction with L the extent of the relative movement between sleeve 28 and spindle 10 being defined by the length of slots 20 and between tip member 16 and spindle 10 by the length of slots 20 plus the length of slot 22. Sleeve 28 is counterbored at 29 to provide a forwardly facing shoulder against which is positioned annular resilient pad 27 with this pad being contacted by the bobbin when it is disposed in driving or winding position and being effective to provide a resilient interconnection between the bobbin and the sleeve with the bobbin moving the sleeve rearwardly a short distance when so positioned. At the forward end of sleeve 28 is formed the radially extending rearwardly facing clamping surface 30 which is in complementary relation with the forwardly facing annular surface 32 provided on the sleeve 34 with this latter sleeve being telescoped over sleeve 28 and connected to this sleeve, as by a key or the like, so that it rotates therewith but is movable relative thereto in an axial direction.

The relative axial movement between the two sleeves 28 and 34 is of limited extent with this movement being limited in one direction by engagement of the clamping surfaces 30 and 32 and in the other direction by the engagement of the inwardly extending radial flange 36 of sleeve 34 with snap ring 38 disposed within a suitable annular recess in sleeve 28 with spring 37 being interposed between the two sleeves to urge them into this latter position. In order that the relation between these clamping surfaces may be varied to accommodate various sizes of yarn with which the winding machine may be used, sleeve 34 is made in two sections with the forward or nose section 39 being threadedly received upon body section 4l), with these two sections being retained in their desired adjusted position by set screw 42. The forward or front face of section 39 of sleeve 34 is counterbored and within this counterbore is positioned resilient ring member 46 the front face of which forms clamping surface 32 so that it in effect provides a resilient clamping jaw which coacts with surface 3@ of sleeve 2S to clamp the beginning of the yarn therebetween-at the initiation of the winding operation.

To permit the insertion of pin .1;8 in its operative position during assembly of the mechanism so that tip member 16 and sleeve 28 are positively connected with sleeve l0 for rotation therewith body section 4t) is provided with a pair of aligned radial bores 44 through which this pin may be inserted.

ln order that clamping surfaces 36 and 32 may be brought into clamping relation upon the positioning of a bobbin on tip member 16 sleeve 34 is prevented from moving relative to spindle 10 in an axial rearward direction until this spindle has reached a given rotative speed. As embodied this is accomplished through a centrifugally responsive or actuated mechanism which comprises a plurality of balls 48 disposed within suitable radial bores 50 provided in and symmetrically arranged about the rearward end of sleeve 34 with these balls being freely movabie axially within the bores. Secured to spindle 10 is the collar 52 which has its forward end received within the rearward end of sleeve 34 and is provided at its periphery with an annular recess 54 that is in radial alignment with the bores 50 when sleeve 34 occupies its forwardmost position as depicted in Figure l. With this organization the uppermost balls 48 fall by gravity into the annular recess 54 and this recess is so related to the size of the balls as to positively prevent rearward movement of sleeve 34 with relation to collar S2 and accordingly sleeve 10 when any of the balls occupy their radial innermost position where they are disposed within this recess. Since the entire mechanism rotates with spindle 10 including tip 16, sleeves 28 and 34, and collar 52, balls 48 are urged radially outward by centrifugal torce as spindle i0 starts to rotate with all of the balls moving to their radial outermost position when the spindle reaches a certain rotative velocity with the balls then being in engagement with ring 56 disposed about the rearward end of sleeve 34 and covering the outer ends of bores 50 so that sleeve 34 is then free to move relative to spindle 10 in a rearward direction.

As previously mentioned, prio-r to the positioning of a `bobbin on tip member 16 the various elements of the improved winding organization of this invention are disposed in their relative positions depicted in Figure l, with the clamping surfaces 36 and 32 being in spaced nonclamping relation. As is well known in the art prior to the positioning of the bobbin in its proper position for winding the yarn is disposed in position in the clamping device with the yarn thus being disposed between surfaces 30 and 32 in the organization of this invention. The butt end of the bobbin is then brought into position and registers or engages the tapered end of tip member 16 which properly centers the bobbin. The bobbin is then pushed rearwardly into place compressing spring 22 with the butt end of the bobbin then contacting resilient pad 29 and pushing sleeve 28 rearwardly against the compression of spring 37 until the rearward end of this sleeve engages the front surface of collar 52. This rearward movement of sleeve 28 brings surface 30 into clamping relation with surface 32 thereby clamping the yarn between these surfaces, with this positional relationship being shown in Figure 2. It will, of course, be understood that nose section 38 of sleeve 34 will have previously been adjusted relative to body Section 40 so that the surfaces 30 and 32 will occupy their proper relation to each other when sleeve 28 is in its rearwardmost position for the particular size of yarn that is to be used.

Through suitable mechanism that is well known in the art the drive for spindle 10 is automatically actuated when the bobbin is properly positioned on the spindle for winding. Thus, immediately after the elements of the clamping mechanism are brought into their relative positions shown in Figure 2, spindle 10 commences to rotate and quickly accelerates to its proper operating speed. As the spindle accelerates the centrifugal force acting on balls 52 tending to move all of them to their radial outermost position increases and at a predetermined rotative speed all of these balls are thrown to their outermost position 'aganwaaa f so "that sleeve '341rmaybe moved rearwardly frelativeito spindle with springV 37'Sbeing effective 'to then Lmove this sleeve into engagement with snap ring 38 thereby moving surface 32 out of "clamping relation with surface 30 and releasing the length` of yarn rtpreviously clamped between-thesesurfaces with this length of yarnthen being wound around the bobbin into the bunch and enveloped within the package. Upon completion of the winding operation the bobbin is, automatically Aremovedirompthe winding machine whereupon spring 28 is effective to return the various elements of the mechanism to their initial position as shown in Figure l in preparation for the receipt and winding of another bobbin.

Thus with the improved winding organization of this invention the difficulty heretofore experienced with regard to the length of thread that projected from the finished package is eliminated with this length of thread that is initially clamped between the jaws of the rotating clamping device being automatically released shortly after the initiation of the winding operation causing it to be wound into the bobbin and enveloped within the finished package.

The invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific mechanism shown and described but departures may be made therefrom, within the scope of the accompanying claims, without departing from the principles of the invention and without sacrificing its chief advantages.

What is claimed is:

1. In a winding machine, a driving spindle for a yarn carrier, a yarn clamping device having a pair of axially movable clamping jaws normally in spaced relation to each other but moved into a `clamping position when the yarn carrier is positioned in place in driving relation with the spindle, and speed responsive mechanism effective at a predetermined rotative speed to release said jaws from said clamping position.

2. The organization of claim l wherein the speed responsive mechanism comprises radially movable centrifugally actuated members.

3. In a winding machine, the combination of a bobbin driving spindle adapted to have a bobbin removably engaged therewith, an automatically operated yarn clamp carried by the spindle and adapted to engage the beginning of the yarn to be wound on the bobbin at the initiation of the winding operation and operative to release the same immediately thereafter, said clamp including a pair of members coaxial with said spindle and rotated therewith but axially movable relative to each other to and from a yarn clamping position, said members being biased from said yarn clamping position but moved thereinto by the bobbin when it is disposed in engagement with the spindle and in driving position for winding, and centrifugally actuated mechanism rotated with said spindle and effective at a predetermined rotative speed to permit said members to move from said clamping position under the infiuence of said biasing force.

4. Mechanism for winding yarn on a yarn carrier including an axially rotatable driving spindle, a first sleeve coaxial with said spindle and mounted adjacent one end thereof in a manner such that the sleeve rotates with the spindle but is axially movable relative thereto between given limits, said sleeve being biased to a predetermined position but moved therefrom in response to positioning a yarn carrier in driving relation with the Spindle, a second sleeve disposed about said one end of said spindle in coaxial relation therewith and in a manner so that it rotates with the spindle but is axially movable relative thereto, said first and second sleeves having complementary annular surfaces normally in axially spaced relation but moved into yarn clamping relation by the yarn carrier when disposed in driving relation with the mechanism, means effective to normally prevent said second sleeve from moving from said clamping position, said means being rotatable with said sleeve and operative at a predetermined rotative speed to permit said second "6 lsleevefto move ifrom said :clamping position, and means urgingfsaid'esecondt sleeve` ttrom -said tclampingcposition.

.5. The :organization of claim 4-wherein the portionof one .tofssaidsleeves Athat carries -the `annular .clamping surlface` :of that sleeve `is 'axially adjustable with'respectwto the remainder "of rthe. sleeve.

:'6. .The :organization of .claim 4 wherein `the second sleeve `is :comprised of two ,axially adjustable vmembers Vwith :the portiontofthissleeve:carrying theannular clamping surface being threadedly interconnected with the remainder of the sleeve.

7. The organization of claim 4 wherein the means operative at a predetermined rotative speed to permit said second sleeve to move from said clamping position comprises an annular member secured to said spindle and provided with a generally radially extending recess, the second sleeve being provided with complementary radially disposed recesses in radial alignment with the first mentioned recess when said second sleeve is in a predetermined axial position, a plurality of radially movable mem bers disposed within said recesses and movable therewithin from a radial inner to a radial outer position, said members being operative when in their radial inner position to prevent said second sleeve from moving relative to the first sleeve in a direction to move the annular surfaces apart and when in their radial outer position to permit such movement, said members being moved to said radial outer position by centrifugal force when the rot-ative speed of the spindle reaches a predetermined value.

8. The organization of claim 4 wherein said first spindle is provided with a resilient portion adapted to be engaged by the yarn carrier.

9. In an organization of the type described, the combination of a drive spindle, a pair of sleeves mounted adjacent one end thereof in coaxial relation therewith and in a manner so that they rotate with said spindle but are axially movable relative thereto, means normally preventing axial movement of one of said sleeves relative to said spindle, said sleeves having complementary annular' surfaces between which a strand of yarn is to be clamped and which are movable to and from clamping relation with each other, means normally urging the other sleeve to a position where said surfaces are in non-clamping relation, said other sleeve being moved so as to bring said surfaces into clamping relation in response to positioning a bobbin in driving relation with the spindle, and said first mentioned means being actuated by centrifugal force incident to a predetermined rotative speed to release said one sleeve and permit it t-o move from said clamping position.

l0. In a winding machine for winding thread carriers the combination of a spindle mounted for rotation about its axis, a first sleeve mounted adjacent one end of said spindle in a manner to rotate therewith 'but m-ovable a limited distance axially thereof, said first sleeve having a generally radial rearwardly facing clamping surface, a second sleeve mounted in telescoping relation with said first sleeve in a manner so as to rotate therewith but axially movable relative thereto a limited distance, said second sleeve having a forwardly facing clamping surface complementary with the clamping surface provided on said first sleeve, said complementary surfaces being moved to and from clamping relation by relative axial movement of said sleeves, means biasing said sleeves to a predetermined position axially of said spindle and urging them to position where the said complementary surfaces are in non-clamping relation, said first sleeve being moved axially rearward by the yarn carrier upon positioning the same in its winding position thereby bringing said surfaces into clamping relation, centrifugally actuated means normally preventing rearward movement of said second sleeve relative to the spindle but operative at a predetermined rotative speed to release said second sleeve for such movement whereby said clamping surfaces move out of clamping relation.

naamw 7 11. The organization of claim 10 wherein said cenond sleeve relative to the spindle while permitting such trifugally actuated means comprises a collar secured to movement when in their radial outer position. said spindle and having at least a portion thereof snugly but slidably received Within said second sleeve, said collar References Cited in the fue 0f this Patent and second sleeve having generally radial recesses in radial 5 UNITED STATES PATENTS alignment and open communication when said second sleeve is in a given position, members radially movable 2718360 Joyce' Sept 20 1955 within said aligned recesses and eiective in their radial FOREIGN PATENTS inner position to prevent rearward movement of said sec- 700,381 Great Britain Dea 2, 1953 

